For the remainder of the fall semester, the Spaulding Computer Lab will be closing at 11:00 PM while security protocols and equipment updates are implemented. All other computer labs, including the Simon Center, will remain open normal hours.

Calligraphy I – Intro to Italic Lettering

The Italic hand is one of the most beautiful and legible calligraphic styles ever devised, with a wider range of applications than any other. There is more to learn in Italic but doing so will make learning other calligraphy styles much easier. This five-session class explores the 1522 Arrighi Italic which is still the most used now. Students will start with the basic strokes, stance, how to practice, and proceed to the lower-case, then capitals, along with proportion, method, materials and some of the many uses for this letter style. Left-handed students are welcome.

All materials will be initially supplied, and students may bring in their own pens, nibs and such. Reference books and materials from the instructor’s extensive collection will be on hand each session. Experienced students may review Italic and go on to other styles, and there will be extensive one-on-one instruction.

The five sessions will run Wednesday evenings, May 28-June 25, from 7 -9pm at the New England College Concord Main Street campus. Evening sessions may be extended if the class so desires. Class tuition is $100. Please register at halerp@cs.com.

R.P. Hale is an internationally-known master-calligrapher, illustrator, wood engraver, Letterpress printer, traditional Celtic-design artist, wood carver, harpsichord maker and teacher. He is one of the very few masters who easily teaches left-handed students in calligraphy. He is also a working solar astronomer and archaeo-astronomer of Maya astronomy and calendar systems, teaching these at St. Paul’s School and the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center. His calligraphy and artwork is in many collections nationwide and includes the Smithsonian Institute and other major museums and he was cited by the Smithsonian as a premier harpsichord maker. He runs master-classes in calligraphy, wood engraving, printmaking, and the physics of color perception/theory across the country along with harpsichord performances in the Mexican Baroque.